BX
AFSWC History Office
Air Force Officer).
The request from the Generals stated that in response
to a letter from the Deputy Secretary of Defense (Douglas) to the JCS and
the Chairman of the MLC on 22 January 1960 on the subject of "Nuclear
Weapons Development and Weapons Effects Programs,' this group was
designated to reappraise the requirements for the EPG and the readiness
status and functions of JTF-7.
The groups reply was forwarded on 31 March
1960.
Under the facts and assumptions for the group to use in their study are listed the
following:
The AEC and the DOD currently maintain the capability to resume nuclear
testing at the EPG within 12 months.
Both the AEC and JTF-7 have indicated
that their capability to respond in this time frame will diminish at an unknown
rate with the passing of time.
There is a question here as to whether Douglas
is the Deputy Secretary of Defense or an Assistant Secretary of Defense.
The following agencies have indicated a desire to use all or part of the EPG
facilities on a continuing basis for an indefinite period of time: PMR,
AMC (Air Materiel Command),
TAC, and SAC.
In view of the current DOD guidance on testing reflected in Douglas's
Memorandum which will continue at least through FY 61, the 12 month
capability to test at EPG nced no longer be maintained.
,Testing,
will most probably be underground or possibly in outerspace.
if resumed
Political factors
preclude complete U.S. withdrawal from the EPG or complete dissolution
.
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